While the supply of Covid-19 vaccines has increased across 110 general practices on the North Coast, Lismore’s health clinics are still struggling to keep up with demand.

Healthy North Coast (HNC) announced over the next three weeks, GP clinics that have been receiving 50 doses of vaccine a week, will now get triple the amount.

Clinics receiving 100 doses a week will receive 200 - and general practice respiratory clinics (GPRCs) will also receive an increase of several thousand doses a week.

However, just because supplies have been increased doesn’t mean Lismore is getting enough to cope with the demand.

In Lismore CBD, the Lismore Clinic and the Keen Street Clinic are both approved vaccination providers for Covid 19 vaccines. In Goonellabah, the GP Superclinic is an approved distribution point.

Molesworth Street’s Lismore Clinic reported that it originally received only 50 doses when the vaccine rollout to the area began – and that was a small amount compared to other practices in the area. The clinic is already booked out until August, with many people trying to get in for the jab sooner.

Supply and demand shortfall

Since HNC announced the increase in vaccine doses, the Lismore Clinic has now doubled the number of vaccines doses it administers, but the supply doesn’t meet demand.

Now, Lismore Clinic staff refer people to the Ballina Respiratory Clinic for the jab.

When the vaccines were first released, the Ballina Clinic received 1000 doses - a week before Lismore did.

So, that’s good news for people in Ballina – but not so great for Lismore-based people who need to travel to Ballina to be vaccinated.

A staff member of the Lismore Clinic said the rollout of the vaccines has put lot of pressure on health clinics, doctors and staff - and it’s making it hard for other sick people who need to be seen by a doctor.

While the phones have been busy with queries about the Covid vaccines, it has been stopping sick people getting through to make an appointment.

The Lismore App contacted the Goonellabah GP Superclinic and Ballina Respiratory Clinic for comment, but have not yet received a response at the time of publication.

Vaccination numbers

HNC reported last week that more than 40,000 people have received COVID-19 vaccinations across the North Coast region so far.

The projected increase in weekly vaccine doses delivered to local general practices is set to increase vaccination numbers from 12,950 to 22,550. 

Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Julie Sturgess welcomed the Australian Government decision to boost the number of COVID vaccine doses. 

‘There has been a great response to the vaccination program, with many people trying to secure a vaccination appointment,” Ms Sturgess said. 

“Close to 10,000 extra doses of COVID-19 vaccine a week will now be offered by GPs across the North Coast, which is great news for our community.

“Combined with the increased vaccine availability at GPRCs and through NSW Health, we will see people getting vaccinated at the highest rate since the rollout commenced.”

The best way for people to find out when and where they can book in for a vaccination is by using the online Vaccine Eligibility Checker and clinic finder. (Some GP clinics have chosen not to be listed.) 

Vaccines and how the vaccine rollout works 

If you don't already understand how the rollout works, read on. 

The Australian Government has implemented a staged rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program. The most vulnerable people in the community are targeted to receive their vaccination first. Details are available here. 

There are two different COVID-19 vaccines currently available in Australia – AstraZeneca and Pfizer. In general, the AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended for people aged 50 and over and the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for people under 50. Having a vaccine is voluntary and there is no cost. 

The vaccines are made differently and are considered safe and effective. For more information, visit: 

Pfizer vaccine recommended for people under 50 years of age 

AstraZeneca vaccine recommended for people aged 50 years and over 

Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from AstraZeneca vaccine. 

Phases and dates

People in Phase 1a and Phase 1b of the staged rollout are currently being vaccinated. States and territories have begun vaccinating people in Phase 2a, starting with all adults aged 50 years and over. This group can now receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at GP respiratory clinics and state and territory-run clinics, which are mostly hospital-based. 

From 17 May, people aged 50 years and over will also be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at participating general practices. 

Vaccinations are also available at many Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Services and, in coming months, will be delivered from some local pharmacies. 

COVID-19 vaccination second doses — make sure you check AIR

Many patients are now becoming eligible for their second dose of vaccine. We are being asked to highlight the importance of confirming any previous vaccinations in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to ensure that the correct vaccine is administered for the second dose.